Another plus for fiber

We know that eating sufficient amounts of fiber may help reduce high blood pressure and high blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) “bad” cholesterol, both risk factors for stroke.

According to new research in the American Heart Association journal Stroke, eating foods with more fiber was linked to a lower risk of first-time stroke. Every seven-gram increase in total dietary fiber was associated with a 7 percent lower risk of first-time stroke.

The results reinforce the importance of a diet that includes at least 25 grams of fiber daily, the report’s authors stipulate. Foods high in fiber include whole grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts.